Country music artist Joe Nichols to show off new music at Dusty Armadillo

By Kelly Maile | Staff Writer

Thursday

Nov 21, 2013 at 4:00 AM

Country music artist Joe Nichols is reaching new heights in his career with his new music and new label, Red Bow.

"My new single 'Sunny And 75' is the rangiest song I've ever done in my recording career," Nichols said. "One of the biggest challenges going into the studio was trying to accomplish something I've never done before, which was see what I was capable of as far as vocally. It still sounds like me. It's just a newer version of it."

Nichols will perform songs off his new album on Saturday at the Dusty Armadillo, 3147 S.R. 44 in Rootstown. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 10.

He credits his personal and professional relationships for the new sound.

"Certainly my personal life has inspired the positivity of the record," Nichols said. "I have to give credit to my new record label. The label challenges me to be more of an artist and to go in the studio and try things I've never tried before."

Nichols went into the studio with his own money to make his eighth studio album, "Crickets" released in October via Red Bow Records.

"I asked for and was granted my release from Show Dog Universal in June 2012," Nichols said. "I went in with my own money and started making this current record. With the first few things we finished, we walked into several labels around town in Nashville and offered them a chance at the new music we we're doing. Red Bow seemed like the perfect opportunity."

The new album is collaboration between Red Bow founder Benny Brown, producers Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George and Nichols.

"I think 'Old School Country Song' and 'Billy Graham's Bible' are the more traditional sounding songs for me," Nichols said. "'Sunny And 75' feels like it was made for the radio and there's a song called 'Yeah' that will be the next single. There's a good balance on this record of art and commercial appeal. I want to remain artistic as possible, but try to remain somewhat commercial and appeal to the masses."

Nichols likes to throw in a few curve balls during his live show.

"We will play all the radio hits that people are familiar with, but we like to throw in a few surprises," Nichols said. "We like to have a good time and goof off a little. We try to play the music as best we can play it and we try as hard as we can to make it sound just like the record, if not a little better."

Whether you want to hear all the old radio hits, "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off," "Brokenheartsville," and "Gimme That Girl," or the new music, Nichols said it's all country.

"The new album is called 'Crickets,'" Nichols said. "It's kind of a theme on the record. We have a couple songs that reference crickets and we even put some cricket noises on the record. It gives you the vibe of the album, you know, country."

Tickets are $24. For tickets and more information, call 330-325-0647 or visit dustya.com.

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